Re-defining the nonfiction art form, Babies joyfully captures on film the earliest stages of the journey of humanity that are at once unique and universal to us all. The film simultaneously follows four babies around the world — from birth to first steps. The children are, in order of on-screen introduction: Ponijao, who lives with her family near Opuwo, Namibia; Bayarjargal, who resides with his family in Mongolia, near Bayanchandmani; Mari, who lives with her family in Tokyo, Japan; and Hattie, who resides with her in San Francisco, Calif.

The Namibian family moved me the most. What seems to be a matriarchal culture, at least the raising the babies part (I didn’t see any adult males). These babies were give such a rich experience to explore their environments.

Tuesdays at 12:30 – Spring session begins April 20th

For moms and their babies, newborn-6 months

Topics in the group include: Mom and baby wellness, breast feeding, bottle feeding, sleep issues, staying at home versus working outside the home, isolation, childcare, family life, self image & more. Be a part of a growing community of new families right here in your neighborhood

Explore sleep solutions for the whole family. A talk for parents with babies newborn-12 months. We’ll talk about schedules techniques for calming age appropriate expectations and more……..plenty of time for questions

Massage is great addition to your toolbox of techniques to soothe and bond with your baby. Massage assists with sleep, colic, communication and relaxation. Learn the techniques, routine and benefits of massaging your baby.
Infant Massage is taught in a relaxed, hands-on, one hour session. It is a gift each parent will be able to share with their child throughout a lifetime.

The pelvic floor is comprised of muscles that are often elusive and seem
beyond our conscious control. Yet, the perineum and the pelvic girdle are an
integral force behind most human functioning. By bringing awareness,
strength, and suppleness to these muscles, you can address incontinence,
alleviate pain in the pelvis, hips, knees, and back, breathe more
efficiently, increase sexual fulfillment, assist childbirth, and facilitate
many functional activities like lifting heavy objects, rising from chairs,
and walking up stairs.

This week, you will learn low-tech, noninvasive techniques that draw fromyoga, tai chi, qigong, Feldenkrais, and conventional rehab therapies to
guide people toward improved health and function. This accessible program
will also familiarize you with the anatomy, pathology, pain mechanisms,
physiology, kinesiology, mind-body energetics, and psycho-emotional aspects
of pelvic floor concerns.

Bridging East and West and addressing mind and body, this program is
designed for physical and occupational therapists, yoga and qigong
therapists, psychotherapists, Pilates teachers, fitness professionals,
somatic therapists, midwives, and everyone with an interest in the pelvic
floor.

Bill Gallagher, PT, CMT, CYT, is director of the East West Rehabilitation
Institute, a master clinician in integrative rehabilitation at Mount Sinai
Medical Center, and an instructor in clinical physical therapy at Columbia
University. Bill has developed a uniquely integrative approach to optimize
pelvic health. By integrating the physical therapy traditions of the East
with therapies of the West, Bill helps his clients maximize function and
minimize pain. He sees a broad spectrum of clients with pelvic floor
concerns in his practice including incontinence, pelvic pain, coccydynia,
and prolapse. Bill can be reached at Bill@EastWestRehab.com

Richard Sabel, MA, MPH, OTR, GCFP, is educational director for the East West
Rehabilitation Institute, a certified Feldenkrais practitioner, and clinical
assistant professor at SUNY Downstate’s program of occupational therapy.
Richard has successfully integrated Western therapeutic practices withEastern philosophy into a distinctive therapeutic approach to help clients
who have been limited by pain and disability reengage in meaningful
activities. He regularly leads community programs and works individually
with clients to address pelvic floor concerns. Richard can be reached atRichard@EastWestRehab.org

Jessica Shapley, LMSW, CIH, CMT, utilizes a strength-based approach to help
women cope with physical and emotional challenges. She facilitates groups
for new mothers in Manhattan, providing a safe space to get support for the
changes new mothers face, including pelvic floor concerns like incontinence,
pelvic pain, and intimacy. Jessica holds a master’s degree in social work
from Columbia University and is certified in Integral Health Counseling by
the California Institute for Integral Studies. A mother herself, Jessica is
a certified massage therapist, a licensed social worker, and the director ofMomsupport.org. She also teaches infant massage. Jessica can be contacted atJessica@momsupport.org

I am bringing New Mom’s Groups and New Parent Programing to you. My goal is to connect mothers and families, answer questions and ease transitions. I provide sleep workshops, teach infant massage and facilitate new mother support groups around the city, in a neighborhood near you.

I am thrilled to add The Discovery Program in Morningside Heights to my list of venues. This is a wonderful program that has provided programing for families for over thirty years. Morningside Heights has continued to grow into a wonderful family centered community. I am happy to join their commitment to serving new moms and families in and near Morningside Heights. With the New Mother Support Groups moms will find their power to embrace the journey. See you in the neighborhood.

Jessica

Schedules: Programs and Places

Discovery Program Morningside HeightsNew Mom Support Groupwww.discoveryprogram.com
251 West 100th Street
New Mom’s Support Group
Wednesday February 3 at 12:30
$155Attention: This is NOT a drop-in class! | Pre-registration required
212-749-8717

New Mother’s Support Groups: 8 session series for moms with babies newborn-5 months

A facilitated support and discussion group for moms with their babies (newborn – 6 months)
Find the power to embrace the journey of motherhood with confidence and connect with new moms just like you. Share experiences, ask questions, and make supportive friendships.
Topics include:
mom and baby wellness
breastfeeding/bottle feeding
introduction to solids
sleep issues
staying at home versus working outside the home
isolation
childcare
family life
self image, and more.

Settled Mother’s Support Groups: 8 sessions series for mothers with babies 5 months to 12 months

A weekly facilitated discussion on the journey from infancy to babyhood into toddler-hood. Connect with other moms and discuss:
-Sleep issues
-Behavioral issues
-Eating solids
-Breastfeeding or weaning
-Introduction of siblings
-Childcare solutions
-Returning to work
-Family dynamics
-Tapping into your own personal growth

Sleep Workshops: 1 to 2 hour group sessions for parents with babies newborn-1

What does a schedule even look like?

My spouse comes home in the evening and riles up the baby.

Is it OK to rock my baby to sleep?

Should I put my baby on a schedule?

How do I cut down on night-time feeding?

Can I sleep with my baby?

I feel guilty asking my partner to help at night.

My baby is 3 months, can I still swaddle her?

Is crying it out the only way?

Your questions and opinions are welcome!

Infant Massage: For precrawling babies

Massage is great addition to your toolbox of techniques to sooth and bond with your baby. Massage assists with sleep, colic, communication and relaxation. Learn the techniques, routine and benefits of massaging your baby.

Infant Massage is taught in a relaxed, hands-on, one hour session with Jessica Shapley, certified infant massage teacher, practitioner and licensed social worker.

Infant massage is a gift each parent will be able to share with their child throughout a lifetime.

If you have mastitis, it is best to keep breastfeeding frequently from both sides.

Hurried and infrequent feedings have been found to be a significant risk factor for getting mastitis.

It is important to teat both mom and baby if one of you has thrush (cadidiases). It is also important to clean all vectors (from pacis, to bottles, things that go in baby’s mouth, nipple shields even towels being used).